The Mountain Man Memorial March began as a way to honor 1LT Frank B. Walkup, IV. 1LT Walkup, a 2005 University of Tennessee graduate and ROTC alumnus, was killed in action in Iraq in 2007 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Upon learning of the death of 1LT Walkup a group of UT Cadets were looking for a way to honor 1LT Walkup and his family and the Mountain Man Memorial March was born.

The inaugural MMMM was held in Gatlinburg, TN in April of 2007 with 40 Cadets from East Tennessee ROTC programs. The inaugural MMM consisted of a 26.2 mile march with each Cadet carrying a 35 pound ruck sack. The UT Ranger team carried a picture of 2LT Walkup and presented it along with a Gold Star flag to his mother at the completion of the event.